Jointing compound

[DIYspanner]

To date, I've used PTFE when repairing leaking compression joints. I usually unscrew, wire wool to clean them, apply PTFE and tighten back up.

A video from 2013 on YT suggests Fernox jointing compound is a far better than PTFE. I presume the white compound is the one to get?

 

[muggles]

Water Hawk is the one to get out of those two. Hawk White is not approved for use on mains water pipes, Water Hawk can be used on everything.

Having said that, I much prefer Jet Blue

 

[footprints]

Fernox LSX is fine for potable (drinking water) as I understand.
https://fernox.com/product/ls-x-external-leak-sealer-50ml/

Clear so less messy, would not be without it in the toolbag.

 

[Madrab]

I'll just stick with one wrap of gas PTFE tape on the olive if and when needed. Never use on threads.

 

[amfisted]

I'm a recent convert to the "one wrap round the olive" school of thought, and this after years of lashing multiple turns of PTFE on compression threads and wondering why they still leaked.

During my recent tribulations with a kitchen radiator the one wrap worked every time, though of course I wasn't working with mains pressure.

 

[Madrab]

Yup, it's my rule of thumb any time I'm remaking an old joint with the same components, a wrap of gas tape on the olive avoids any call backs.

 

[dilalio]

Lol! Always remember that a cold joint may not weep, when tested. But later on, when you've left, and hot water runs through it........

 

[Keithmac]

I did a load of compression joints in our house 10 years ago and never had an issue with leaks.

Did a few last year with new fittings and had a real job to get them water tight.

Looking at some old copper pipe I had spare it was significantly thicker than the newly bough stuff.

 

[dilalio]

Looking at some old copper pipe I had spare it was significantly thicker than the newly bough stuff.

Yeah... It ruins the wheel in your pipe slice, but it's great to weigh in!

 

[DIYspanner]

So because gas PTFE is thicker, it does a better job on compression joints, why bother with water PTFE?

 

[denso13]

it does a better job on compression joints

I don't think it does. Just that people have different preferences.

 

[DIYspanner]

The Fernox White Hawk compound is not suitable for drinking water pipes or portable water as its called which seems a peculiar term. Presumably because you fill your water bottle from the kitchen tap?

How does the Water Hawk compound, used for drinking water pipes, differ to White Hawk which, the comments on Screwfix/Toolstation say, is used regardless?

 

[denso13]

portable

It's "potable", which just means drinking water.

 

[Madrab]

So because gas PTFE is thicker, it does a better job on compression joints, why bother with water PTFE?

It does exactly the same job, you just have to use less. I can't be bothered wrapping rad tails and tap etc with 20 odd wraps so I just use 6 turns of gas tape. I have it in stock anyway so pointless buying both.

 

[DIYspanner]

It does exactly the same job, you just have to use less. I can't be bothered wrapping rad tails and tap etc with 20 odd wraps so I just use 6 turns of gas tape. I have it in stock anyway so pointless buying both.

Why do you use tape rather than compound? ......... just curious!